Charter of the Academie

Take a look at the actual Charter scroll, signed by Amalric and Caia on March 11th, 2000. Calligraphy by Rhiannedd of Isenfir (Rena Morse). Illumination by Rieinmelt verch Owain (Catrina Tranor).

L'Academie Atlantienne de la Danse (“The Atlantian Academy of Dance”) is hereby established to further the practice of, and the research into, the dancing arts of the Renaissance. The Academie is open to those who practice, teach, or are otherwise interested in the art, music, history, reconstruction, performance or theory of period dancing styles.

The goals of the Academie are to:

• Encourage the spread of period styles of dancing, both in practice and in theory, throughout Atlantia;
• Encourage learning and mastery of the art of period dancing;
• Aid those outside the Academie in the appreciation of period dancing; and
• Provide a source for research and education into period styles of dance.

To these ends, the Academie will:

• Encourage its members to study, teach and consult with others regarding period dance techniques;
• Sponsor workshops and practices where all can learn the art of period dancing;
• Sponsor classroom instruction to encourage better understanding of the history and theory of period dance;
• Maintain a bibliography of research and reference materials, including primary and secondary sources, and to the extent possible a library;
• Facilitate communication between existing dance guilds, and assist any local group in founding a dance guild for itself;
• Provide guidance to any who request help with such matters as hosting dancing at an event, starting a local practice, or any other related service as needed;
• Maintain a publicly-accessible forum to provide information on scheduled Academie activities and coming dance events, functions, practices, workshops, and classes; and
• Maintain a roster of Academie Members and dance teachers throughout the Kingdom.

Membership in the Academie will be extended to include any Gentle who wishes to participate.

Member of the Academie: A person who is interested in art, music, history, reconstruction, performance or theory of period dancing styles. One becomes a Member by sending his/her SCA and mundane name and address to the Academie Secretary, expressing interest. Members will be informed of the Academie’s activities and projects.

Chancelier of the Academie: The person who is the head of the Academie. The Chancelier shall maintain the Academie Membership Roster; assist local groups to locate instructors for dance classes at events, local meetings, revels, etc.; assist local groups who wish to start local dance guilds; and report to the Kingdom Minister of Arts on the progress, projects, and activities of both the Academie and local dance guilds. The Chancelier may appoint deputies as needed. The Chancelier is chosen by the general consensus of the Members of the Academie.

In addition to the above, an Academie Secretary shall be appointed by the Chancelier. The Secretary will assist the Chancelier in administrative duties including, but not limited to, maintaining the roster of Academie Members, coordination of the Academie Schedule of Events, maintenance of the Academie forum, and any other duties assigned by the Chancelier.

Submitted to Their Atlantian Majesties, Amalric and Caia, upon the occasion of the Spring Kingdom Arts & Sciences Festival, A.S. XXXIV, by the Charter Members of L’Academie Atlantienne de la Danse:

Be it known that We, Caia, Queen of Atlantia and Patroness of the Arts and Sciences, along with Amalric, Our King, do hereby confirm and recognize this Charter of L’Academie Atlantienne de la Danse, and duly establish it as a Guild of Atlantia. Done by Our hand this XIth day of March, A.S. XXXIV, being 2000 Gregorian,

Caia, Regina Atlantiae

Amalric, Rex Atlantiae